Cutler focused on Texans' dangerous defense

Bears quarterback hopes offense can put together complete game

November 05, 2012|By Fred Mitchell, Chicago Tribune reporter

As exhilarating as it might be to revel in the glory of Sunday's 51-20 trouncing of the Titans, Jay Cutler already is setting his sights on Sunday night's Bears test against the 7-1 Texans at Soldier Field.

Appearing Monday on his weekly segment of "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on WMVP-AM 1000, Cutler recapped the highlights of the win over the Titans with co-hosts Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman then turned his attention the Texans.

"You hear everything about J.J. (Watt) and the defensive line and the pressure (the Texans) give ... we've got our work cut out for us," Cutler said.

The Bears have won six in a row and lead the NFC North at 7-1.

"We know who we are," he said. "We've got a great defense; offense is coming along. Special teams make big plays for us. So we are going to keep riding that wave and try to improve offensively each week."

In typical fashion for this season, Cutler and the offense showed up in the second half after the defense primarily staked the Bears to a 31-5 halftime advantage over the Titans. By day's end, Cutler had connected with Brandon Marshall for three touchdown passes and Matt Forte wound up with 103 rushing yards.

"I don't think offensively we are going to be happy about the first half and how well we played, including myself," Cutler said. "I mean, we're getting there. It's nothing to panic about; it's just going out there and executing plays and trying to put together four quarters."

Cutler wound up completing 19 of 26 passes for 229 yards. He had no interceptions but was sacked three times and lost a fumble.

"Offensively, we still have some ways to go," he said. "Struggling in the red zone a little bit. We've got to get off to better starts. Third, fourth quarter, I think we're playing really well. We're making adjustments. But at some point we have to put together four quarters. "

The Bears offensive line will be supremely tested against the Texans, particularly right tackle Gabe Carimi matching up against Watt.

"We've had some teams — Dallas and Detroit — who have had some serious pass rushers. You've just got to throw different protections at 'em," Cutler said. "Chip 'em, nudge 'em, do whatever you can. Slide protection, throw some backs at 'em, cut 'em down ... the more looks you can present them and keep them off balance so they are not in a rhythm, the better."